In thirteenth-century Florence, Italy, the pro-Papacy Guelphs defeated and expelled the pro-imperial Ghibellines. The triumphant Guelphs await their champion, the Frenchman Charles d'Anjou, while their opponents pin their hopes on the arrival of Corradino and his troops from Germany. In an unexpected turn of events, the androgynous Ghibelline, Ricciardo de' Rossini, knows secrets that could change everything, and they set out on a secret mission to bring an end to the war. 'A Tales of the Passions; or, The Death of Despina' (1823) is one of many classic short stories by the English writer Mary Shelley and is perfect for fans of her best-selling novel 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus' (1818).